Jury selection starts in Milford case of immigrant smuggling, rape

MILFORD -- Jury selection began Tuesday in the trial of a man accused of raping a Salvadoran girl he was smuggling into the country.

The first four prospective jurors were dismissed for various reasons, including their views on immigration policy, during the morning session in Milford Superior Court.

Court officials said they expect to select a six-member jury by the end of the week. The case is scheduled to begin next Tuesday with arguments on motions, and testimony could start a day later, State's Attorney Kevin Lawlor said.

Francisco Pascual, 26, has rejected a plea deal that could have limited his jail time to 15 years. He could face nearly 80 years in prison if convicted. A Mexican citizen, Pascual has been held since his December 2007 arrest in lieu of $2 million bond on charges of kidnapping, first-degree sexual assault, third-degree sexual assault, risk of injury to a minor and unlawful restraint.

The defendant allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl in a city motel as they were en route to the Boston area, where Pascual was to deliver the girl to her mother. The Salvadoran girl was the last of several illegal immigrants that Pascual allegedly smuggled across the border from Mexico and transported to various cities across the United States, police said.

Defense attorney Mark Solak used one of his pre-emptory challenges to dismiss a potential juror who disclosed that her daughter was confronted by a man who had broken into her apartment.

Another potential juror was excused after telling Judge William Holden that his stepson is a prosecutor in New Jersey. A third said that she needed to work and would suffer an economic hardship if she was selected.

The final candidate in the morning session said that her husband is an immigrant to the United States, and has been the target of racial profiling.

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